The Amalfi Coast has long been recognised as one of Italy’s most scenic coastlines. Pristine sandy beaches and terraced buildings climbing up steep cliffsides – it’s easy to see why nearly five million tourists flock there every year.
If you want to walk the Amalfi Coast and the surrounding Italian countryside at a more leisurely pace, here are some hidden gems that you can’t miss.
4 Hidden Gems on the Amalfi Coast
The Bay of Ieranto
Here in Sorrento, you’ll enjoy a short, chilled-out walk to the Bay of Ieranto with only a little bit of climbing at the start. Circle the mountain, past the house of the novelist Norman Douglas. The Bay of Ieranto will come into view, and in the distance, you may be able to make out the Island of Capri.
You can take the old miners’ stairs downwards for an even better view down on the beach.
Sorrento is known as The Land of the Sirens. The bay lies at the furthest end of the Sorrentine Peninsula, where the mythological siren creatures were said to sing sailors to their doom. Soak in the mythology as you enjoy everything this little gem has to offer.
Grotta Dello Smeraldo
In English, it’s known as the “Emerald Cave”. Inside lies a captivating lake that is lit in one area rather beautifully by natural light from an opening above. The emerald glow from this light Is what gives the cavern its name.
Tours run to the cave that take you on a boat ride and up some stairs to see this charming feature. It’s often a better experience if you don’t go during the height of summer when there are a lot of people.
Atrani
Atrani is a tranquil village on the Amalfi Coast that mass tourism hasn’t come into contact with. Home to about a thousand people, house facades line the square of this authentic Italian spot. The architecture is a throwback to days gone by and a real treat to behold. Eat in amazing restaurants like A’ Paranza, smell the lemon groves, stroll along the beach and relax with locals in the piazza!
Valle delle Ferriere
The Valle delle Ferriere is a fascinating place from both a historical and scientific perspective. Thanks to its proximity to coastal water, it was home to factories from as early as the Middle Ages. For a time, it was also an area with extensive ironworks, though these fell into disuse during the eighteenth century. The ironwork ruins now cut an interesting figure in the otherwise very natural hotspot of the Valle dell Ferriere.
Indeed, when it comes to nature, there’s no lack of it. Several rare species of fern thrive here thanks to the valley’s rare subtropical microclimate, something that has changed little since Prehistoric times. You can also see the Italian stream frog here, a small creature that doesn’t live wild in any other country.
If you’re planning a visit to the Amalfi Coast, it’s worth getting away from the beaten track once or twice to see some of the hidden gems. You won’t regret it!
Conclusion
Exploring the Amalfi Coast can be a truly mesmerizing experience, filled with iconic beauty and hidden treasures. From the enchanting Bay of Ieranto to the captivating Grotta Dello Smeraldo, the charming village of Atrani, and the lush Valle delle Ferriere, this coastal paradise offers much more than meets the eye. These hidden gems unveil the authentic essence of this coastal haven, making every visit an unforgettable journey into your heart and soul forever.
